In Canada, daylight saving time (DST) for 2026 will commence on March 8, when clocks will spring forward by one hour at 2 a.m. local time. This change signifies the transition into a longer daylight period, as evenings become brighter and mornings feel earlier. The shift, while resulting in the loss of an hour's sleep, symbolizes the impending arrival of spring, a season that many Canadians look forward to after the long winter months.

Most Canadians should set their manual clocks ahead by an hour before bedtime on March 7 to ensure they wake up at the correct time. While many modern devices such as smartphones and smartwatches automatically adjust for DST, it is advisable for users to double-check these devices when they wake up to avoid any disruption in their schedules.

Daylight saving time lasts for eight months, running from March to November, during which the majority of Canadians will adjust their clocks to maximize daylight. This yearly tradition is aimed at enhancing the use of daylight in the evening hours, although its effectiveness and necessity are often subjects of ongoing debate among the public and policymakers alike.